Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

Exercise apparatus ( 10, 110 ) comprises a generally spheroidal main part ( 12, 112 ) having a weight providing portion ( 14, 114 ). The main part defines first and second receiving formations ( 16, 18, 117, 118 ) to receive a part of a limb of a user, wherein the weight of the main part is in the range of 1 kg to 20 kg.

This invention relates to exercise apparatus.

Medicine balls are often used in the gym and at home for exercisepurposes. They are generally spherical in shape and contain a centralweight. Medicine balls are generally only used only for lifting andthrowing.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided exerciseapparatus comprising a main part having a weight providing portion, saidmain part defining receiving formations to receive parts of the limbs ofa user.

The receiving formations may be configured to receive the legs or feetof the limbs of the user.

In a first embodiment, the body may have a lower portion and an upperportion, wherein the centre of gravity of the apparatus is in the lowerportion, and the upper portion has the receiving formations, which maybe configured to receive the limbs of a user. In the first embodiment,the receiving formations may be recesses.

In the first embodiment, the receiving means may comprise first andsecond receiving formations defined in the body. The apparatus mayfurther include holding means for holding the apparatus on the user'sfeet during exercise.

The holding means may comprise a flexible holding member, which may beelongate. The holding member may comprise at least one strap. In oneembodiment, the holding means may comprise first and second holdingmembers, each being for a respective one of the user's feet. The firstand second holding members may comprise respective first and secondstraps.

Each of the first and second receiving formations may be configured toreceive a respective one of the user's feet. The first holding membermay be provided on the first receiving formation. The second holdingmember may be provided on the second holding formation.

In another embodiment, the holding means may comprise a respective pairof holding members for each of the first and second receivingformations. Each of the holding members may be adjustable to securedifferent sizes of feet.

One of the holding members of each pair may be arranged to be disposedacross the top of the user's foot. The other of the holding members ofeach pair may be arranged to be disposed across the heel of the user'sfoot.

Each pair of holding members may comprise a respective pair of strapportions. Each pair of strap portions may be part of a single strap.Alternatively, each strap portion may comprise a separate strap.

The upper portion of the body may have an accommodation formation toaccommodate a front region of the user's feet. Each accommodationformation may define first and second recesses to receive the aforesaidfront region of the user's feet. A cover portion may extend over eachrecess.

The upper portion of the body may include first and second accommodationformations on a respective one of the first and second receivingformations to accommodate a respective one of the user's feet.

The apparatus may include grip members extending from the body, the gripmembers being configured to allow the user to grip the apparatus. Thegrip members may comprise first and second handles, which may bearranged opposite each other on the body. The first and second gripmembers may extend from the first and second receiving formationsrespectively.

The apparatus may include extension means on the body, the extensionmeans being moveable between extended and retracted conditions.

The grip members may be mounted on the extension means for movementtherewith between the extended and retracted conditions.

The extension means may comprise an extension member extendable from thebody to the extended condition. In one embodiment the extension meansmay comprise a retraction arrangement for retracting the extensionmember to the retracted condition.

The extension member may comprise a flexible elongate member, such as acable. The retraction arrangement may comprise a reel upon which theextendable member can be wound.

The retraction arrangement may further include an urging member to urgethe reel to move the extension means to the retracted condition. Theurging member may comprise a spring operably mounted on the reel.

Alternatively, the extension member may comprise a resilient member,which may be stretchable to the extended condition, and may becontractable to the retracted condition. The resilient member maycomprise an elastic cord, such as a bungee.

The grip members may be mounted on the extension member. The extensionmeans may comprise support means to support the grip member when theextension means is in the extended condition.

The support means may comprise a support member, which may have rollersrotatably mounted thereon. The rollers may comprise wheels.

The apparatus may include a separator to separate the first and secondreceiving formations from each other. The separator may comprise anupstanding portion on the body.

The separator may extend alongside the first and second receivingformations, between the first and second receiving formations. Theseparator may be integral with the body.

The lower portion may have a curved outer surface. The lower portion maybe of a generally hemispheroidal shape. In one embodiment, the lowerportion may be of a prolate hemispheroidal shape.

The exercise apparatus may include a weighting means provided in thebody. Desirably, the weighting means is provided in the lower portion ofthe body. The weighting means may be so provided in the body that whenthe body has a tendency to urge itself to a position in which thereceiving means faces upwardly.

In a second embodiment, the receiving formations may be in the form ofrecesses, which may be arranged opposite each other.

In the second embodiment, the weight providing portion is desirablyprovided within the main part.

The weight of the main part may be at least partially provided by theweight providing portion and may be in the range of 1 kg to 20 kg. Theweight of the main part may be at least partially provided by the weightproviding portion and may be in the range of 2 kg to 15 kg. The weightof the main part may be at least partially provided by the weightproviding portion and may be in the range of 3 kg to 10 kg.

The main part may comprise a ball and may be generally spheroidal inshape. The recesses may be defined opposite each other in the spheroidalmain part. The recesses may have a generally oval profile.

Protruding portions may be provided on the main part in the recess, andprotrude outwardly from the main part into the recess. The protrudingportions may be configured to engage the feet of a user to provideenhanced grip for the user's feet on the exercise apparatus.

In one embodiment, the main part may comprise at least one removableweight providing portion. The main part may comprise first and secondremovable weight providing portions. The, or each, weight providingportion may comprise a removable weight member. The main part maycomprise a body and the, or each, removable weight providing portion maybe mountable on the body on the body. The first and second removableweight providing portions may be mountable opposite each other on thebody.

The exercise apparatus may comprise a plurality of selectable weightmembers, which can be interchangeably mounted on the body to vary theweight of the exercise apparatus.

The exercise apparatus may have corresponding securing formations tosecure each of the selected weight members on the body. Thecorresponding securing formations may comprise a projection on theweight member or the body and a hole defined in the body or the weightmember.

The projection and the hole may be threaded to allow the projection tobe threadably received in the hole. In one embodiment, a respectiveprojection may be provided on each weight member, and the hole may bedefined in the body.

In this embodiment, the body may have two oppositely arranged securingformations so that two weight members can be secured to the bodyopposite to each other.

In this embodiment, the weight of the body may be in the range of 1 kgto 4 kg. The weight of the body may be in the range of 2 kg to 3 kg. Theweight of the body may be substantially 2 kg.

Each weight member may have a weight in the range of ¼ kg to 9 kg. Eachweight member may have a weight in the range of ½ kg to 7 kg. Eachweight member may have a weight in the range of ½ kg to 4 kg.

In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus may comprise a plurality ofweight members, wherein at least one weight member can be selected to besecured to the body. The plurality of weight members may have aplurality of different weights. The exercise apparatus may comprise twosets of the corresponding securing formations to allow a selected two ofthe plurality of weight members to be secured to the body.

Attaching means may be provided to attach further articles to the mainpart. The attaching means may be on the body, and may comprise a furtherhole defined by the body. The further hole may receive an end region ofan elongate article, such as a support bar. Two of the exerciseapparatus may be attached to the respective opposite ends of theelongate article to provide a weightlifting arrangement.

The exercise apparatus may include holding means to hold the exerciseapparatus on a user's foot or feet. The holding means may comprise aplurality of straps, each extending across a respective one of therecesses.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the use of the exercise apparatus to exercise thelower body of a user; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show use of the exercise apparatus to exercise the upperbody of a user.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 7 shows the exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in use;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a further embodiment of an exercise apparatuswith extension means in an extended condition;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a grip member and a support of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 shows a grip member and an alternative support;

FIGS. 12A to 12C show alternative ways of using the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 16 is a part sectional front view of another embodiment of anexercise apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a part sectional side view of the exercise apparatus shown inFIG. 4; and

FIGS. 18A to 18E are diagrammatic representations showing some ways inwhich the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 can be used.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus, generallydesignated 10. The exercise apparatus 10 comprises a body 12 having alower portion 14 of a prolate hemispheroidal configuration. The body 12has an upper portion 15, in which first and second receiving formations16, 18 are provided.

Each of the first and second receiving formations is configured toreceive a respective one of the user's feet. Holding means in the formof first and second holding members 20, 22 are provided to hold theusers feet in the respective first and second receiving formations 16,18. The first and second holding members are in the form of first andsecond holding straps 20, 22.

An upstanding central separator 24 extends from the main body 12 betweenthe first and second receiving formations 16, 18.

The apparatus 10 further includes first and second grip members in theform of handles 26, 28, which extend outwardly from the respective firstand second receiving formations 16, 18. The handles 26, 28 are providedto allow the user to grip the exercise apparatus 10 in his or her hands.

A respective gap 30, 32 is defined between the first and second handles26, 28 and the receiving formations 16, 18. This allows the user toapply a firm grip to the exercise apparatus 10.

As can be seen, the upstanding separator 24 includes opposite widenedportions 34A, 34B, which are configured to engage within the arch of theuser's feet when placed on the receiving formations 16, 18.

The lower portion 14 is provided with weighting means in the form of aweight 36 held within. The weight 36 can be of any suitable mass, forexample 1 or 2 kilograms. The weight 36 is shown in broken lines in FIG.3. FIGS. 4A and 4B, and FIGS. 5A and 5B show use of the exerciseapparatus 10.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a user 100 has arranged his or her feet on the firstand second receiving formations 16, 18, and has secured the feet to theexercise apparatus 10 by means of the holding straps 20, 22.

With the exercise apparatus 10 so held, the user 100 can performexercises, for example as shown, by lifting the exercise apparatus 10off the ground, thereby exercising his or her lower body.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the user 100 grips the handles 26, 28 and performspress ups on the exercise apparatus 10, thereby exercising his or herupper body.

There is thus described an exercise apparatus 10 that can be used toexercise the upper and lower body, and which is of a reasonably smallsize and can easily be stored in a cupboard between use.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention. For example, the lower portion need not be of a prolatehemispheroidal shape, but could simply be in the shape of a hemisphereor any other suitable shape.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the exercise apparatus 10,which comprises many of the features of the exercise apparatus shown inthe preceding Figures, and described above, and these features have beendesignated with the same reference numerals as in the preceding Figures.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 also includes an accommodationformation 40, which extends over the front region of the first andsecond receiving formations 16, 18 respectively. The accommodationformation 40 comprises first and second cover portions 42, 44, whichdefine recesses 46, 48 to receive the front of the user's feet.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, further straps 50, 52 areprovided in addition to the first and second holding straps 20, 22. Thefurther straps 50, 52 are provided to engage around the heels of theuser's feet.

Thus, the user inserts his or her feet between the first and secondholding straps 20, 22 and the corresponding rear straps 50, 52, andinserts the front region of the feet into the recesses 46, 48. The firstand second holding straps 20, 22 and the further straps 50, 52 are thenadjusted to tighten them around the feet, so that both feet are heldsecurely on the exercise apparatus 10.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 comprises all of the features ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but for reasons of clarity, thefirst and second holding straps 20, 22 and the further straps 50, 52 areomitted from FIGS. 8 and 9. The remaining features of the embodimentshown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are designated with the same reference numeralsas in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 differs from the embodiment shownin FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the handles 26, 28 are mounted on extensionmeans 60, which is in the form of a pair of resilient elongate members62, 64. The resilient elongate members 62, 64 are attached at one end tothe handles 26, 28, and at the opposite end to the inside of the body12.

The extension means 64 can be moved from a retracted condition, which isshown by the handle 28, and an extended condition which is shown by thehandle 26. The retracted condition of the handle 26 is shown in brokenlines in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The extension means 60 can be moved from the retracted condition to theextended condition by pulling the handles outwardly, as shown by thearrows X designating movement of the handle 26 in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the handles 26, 28 are mounted upon supportmeans 66. In FIG. 10 only the support means 66 for the handle 26 isshown, but it will be appreciated that the support means for the handle28 is identical to the support means 66 for the handle 26

The support means 66 comprises a pair of downwardly extending supportmembers 68 which are rotatably mounted at a pivot 70 on opposite ends ofthe handles 26, 28. A roller 72 extends from the support members 68 toengage the ground.

When the extension means 60 is in the retracted condition, the supportmeans 66 is pivoted about the pivot 70 and housed within the body 12.When the extension means is pulled to the extended condition, thesupport means 66 pivots about the pivot 70 to the support condition,shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative version of the support means 66, whichcomprises the support members 68 and a pair of rollers 72, 74 onadjacent lower corners of the support member 68.

FIGS. 12A to 12C show different ways in which the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 can be used.

In FIG. 12A, the exercise apparatus 10 is used with the extension meansin the retracted condition, and with the support means 66 extendingdownwardly to support the handles 26, 28. In this position, the user iscarrying out press-ups with the arms directly underneath the body.

In FIG. 12B, the user is also carrying out press-ups, but with the armsoutwardly to his or her sides. This is effected by the user moving thehandles 26, 28 outwardly so that the extension means is in the extendedcondition, with the support means 66 extended downwardly to support thehandles 26, 28.

FIG. 12C shows a further way in which the exercise apparatus 10 can beused. In FIG. 12C, the user is exercising his or her arms by simplymoving the handles 26, 28 outwardly against the inward force of theresilient members 62, 64.

A second embodiment of an exercise apparatus generally designated 110 isshown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and comprises a main part 112 having a weightproviding portion 114 inside. In the embodiment shown, the weight of themain part, provided by the weight providing region 114 is in the rangeof 1 kg to 20 kg. In the embodiment shown, the weight providing portion114 is shown in broken lines, and is an inner region of the main part112. The weight providing portion 114 is formed of a suitable materialto provide the exercise apparatus 110 with a weight in the rangespecified above.

The main part 112 may be filled with two materials, and the weightproviding portion 114 can be a central region of the main part 112 thatis formed of a material that is heavier than the material surroundingthe central region.

The main part 112 is generally in the shape of a sphere having twoopposed recesses 117, 118. Each of the recesses 117, 118 is of an ovalshape. The exercise apparatus 110 further includes a respectiveprotrusion 120, 122 on the main part 112 within each of the recesses117, 118. Each protrusion 120, 122 is arranged at the centre of therespective recess 117, 118 and extends from the main part 112 into therespective recess.

The main part 112 defines slots 128 on opposite sides of each recess117, 118, through which straps 130 can be threaded. The straps 130extend across the recesses 117, 118 and are used to hold a user's feet,so that the exercise apparatus can be held on the feet. In FIG. 13, thestraps are represented diagrammatically by broken lines. Suitablebuckles 132 of a form that would be understood by those skilled in theart are provided on the straps 130 to secure the opposite ends of therespective straps 130 to each other, and to allow the straps 112 to betightened around the feet of the user.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus, andwhich is generally designated 210. The exercise apparatus 210 has a mainpart 212, which comprises a body 214.

The body 214 defines two opposed recesses 217, 218 which are generallythe same as the recesses 117, 118 described above, being of an ovalshape. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the body 214 is shown in section. In FIG. 16,the recess 218 is hidden from view, but is shown in broken lines in FIG.16.

The exercise apparatus 210 also includes a respective protrusion 220,222 on the body 214 within each of the recesses 217, 218. Theprotrusions 220, 222 are arranged centrally within each recess 217, 218and extend outwardly from the body 214 into the respective recess 217 or218. Again, the protrusion 222 is hidden from view in FIG. 17, and istherefore shown in broken lines.

Each of the protrusions 120, 122, 220, 222 is of a convex curved shape,and may be configured to fit into the arch of a user's foot.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 differs from the embodimentshown in FIGS. 13 to 15 in that, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and17, the main part 212 includes two weight providing portions in the formof removable weight members 224 mounted on the body 214.

The exercise apparatus 210 comprises a plurality of pairs of weightmembers 224, which can be selectively mountable on the body 214. Theweight members of each pair have the same weight as each other, but theweight members 224 of different pairs have different weights. The weightof the main part 212 can thus be varied.

Each of the weight members 224 has a weight portion 226 in the shape ofa spherical cap, and a securing formation 228 extending from the weightportion. The securing formation 228 is in the form of a threadedcylindrical projection 230.

The body 214 defines two opposed securing members 231, definingrespective threaded securing holes 232. Each of the securing holes 232can receive, and threadably engage, the respective securing projections228 on the weight portions 226 of the weight members 224.

For example, with the embodiment shown, the user can select a pair ofweight members 224 having the same weight as each other. The weightmembers 224 so selected are attached to the body 214 by screwing theprojections into the respective holes 226 in the body 214. Thus, withthe selected weight members 224 mounted on the body 214, an exerciseapparatus having the desired weight is provided.

Referring to FIG. 16, the body 214 includes attaching means 240 forattaching an elongate bar (not shown) to the exercise apparatus 210. InFIG. 16, the attaching means comprises an inwardly extending attachingelement 242 defining a further hole 244 which is internally threaded.

The elongate bar may be externally threaded at its opposite ends. Oneend of the elongate bar may be threadably received in the threaded hole244, thereby attaching the elongate bar to the exercise apparatus. Theopposite end of the elongate bar may be attached to another identicalexercise apparatus (not shown) in the same way. This provides a barhaving weight members at its opposite ends, and which can be used as aweight lifting arrangement.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the body 214 has a weight ofsubstantially 2 kg. Each of the weight members 224 may have a weight inthe range of ½ kg to 9 kg, but it is desirable if each weight member 224has a weight in the range of ½ kg to 4 kg.

FIGS. 18A to 18B are simplified drawings showing how the exerciseapparatus 110, 210 can be used by a person. In FIG. 18A, a user 250grips the exercise apparatus 110 between his or her lower legs. Thelower legs are received in the recesses 117, 118 so that the user cangrip the exercise apparatus 110, and move his or her legs in thedirections indicated by the arrows.

In FIG. 18B, the user 250 again grips the exercise apparatus between hisor her lower legs while performing sit-ups, as indicated by the arrows.

In FIG. 18C, the user places the exercise apparatus on the ground andgrips it with his or her hands to perform push-ups. In order to minimisethe risk of the user's hand slipping off the exercise apparatus 110, theuser can grip the exercise apparatus 110 around the edges of therecesses 117, 118.

In FIG. 18D, the user once again grips the exercise apparatus 110between his or her lower legs and, while lying face down on the groundlifts his or her legs from below the knee, as shown by the arrows.

FIG. 18D shows the exercise apparatus 110 gripped between a user's feetas he or she moves his or her legs as shown by the arrows. The user'sfeet are received in the recesses 117, 118, with the protrusions 120,122 being received in the arches of the user's feet.

Although FIGS. 18A to 18E have been described with reference to theexercise apparatus 110, it will be appreciated that the exercisesdescribed could be performed using the exercise apparatus 210.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of using an exercise apparatus, saidexercise apparatus comprising a spheroidal main part having a weightproviding portion, wherein the main part defines first and secondrecesses to receive the feet of a user, a respective protruding portionbeing provided on the main part within each recess, wherein eachprotruding portion is arranged at the centre of the respective recessand each protruding portion protrudes outwardly from the main part intothe respective recess, wherein the method comprises arranging the feetof the user in each recess in engagement with the respective protrudingportion, thereafter gripping the exercise apparatus between the feet ofthe user, and lifting the so gripped exercise apparatus off the groundby raising the feet.
 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein thefirst and recesses are arranged opposite each other.
 23. A methodaccording to claim 21, wherein the weight providing portion is providedwithin the main part, and the recesses are defined opposite each otherin the spheroidal main part.
 24. A method according to claim 21including holding means to hold the exercise apparatus on a user's footor feet, the holding means comprising a plurality of straps, eachextending across a respective one of the recesses.
 25. A methodaccording to claim 21, wherein the weight of the main part is at leastpartially provided by the weight providing portion and is in the rangeof 1 kg to 20 kg.
 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the weightof the main part is in the range of 2 kg to 15 kg.
 27. A methodaccording to claim 21, wherein the main part comprises a body and atleast one weight providing portion and the method comprises removablymounting said weight providing portion on the body.
 28. A methodaccording to claim 27, wherein the main part comprises first and secondremovable weight providing portions, and the method comprises removablymounting said first and second weight providing portions opposite eachother on the body.
 29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the mainpart comprises a plurality of selectable weight members, said methodcomprising interchangeably mounting the weight members on the body tovary the weight of the exercise apparatus.
 30. A method according toclaim 29 wherein the exercise apparatus has corresponding securingformations to selectively secure each of the weight members on the body,the corresponding securing formations comprising a projection on theweight member or the body and a hole defined in the body or the weightmember.
 31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the projection andthe hole are threaded and the method comprise threadably receiving theprojection in the hole.
 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein eachweight member comprises a respective projection, and the hole is definedin the body.
 33. A method according to claim 31, wherein the body hastwo oppositely arranged securing formations and the method comprisessecuring two weight members to the body opposite to each other.
 34. Amethod according to any of claim 28, wherein the weight of the body isin the range of 1 kg to 4 kg.
 35. A method according to claim 28,wherein the weight of the body is in the range of 2 kg to 3 kg.
 36. Amethod according to claim 28, wherein the weight of the body issubstantially 2 kg.
 37. A method according to claims 30, wherein the, oreach, weight member has a weight in the range of ¼ kg to 9 kg.
 38. Amethod according to claim 30, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises aplurality of weight members, wherein the method comprises selecting atleast one weight member, and securing said selected weight member to thebody, the plurality of weight members having a plurality of differentweights.
 39. A method according to claim 21, wherein attaching means isprovided to attach an end region of an elongate article to the mainpart, the attaching means comprising an aperture defined by the mainpart, and the method comprises attaching an end region of an elongatearticle to the main part.
 40. Exercise apparatus comprising a spheroidalmain part having a weight providing portion, wherein the main partdefines first and second recesses configured to receive the feet of auser, a respective protruding portion to be engaged by the aforesaidfeet of the user, each protruding portion being provided on the mainpart within a respective one of the recesses, wherein each protrudingportion is arranged at the centre of the respective recess and protrudesoutwardly from the main part into the respective recess.